Stop punishing us: border
Eliza Berlage. SA/ Vic Border Districts’ club presidents have implored the State Government to “stop punishing” their community with restrictions ... The restrictions are "disappointing", "mentally draining" and "detrimental" to the morale of clubs and the broader community. "The bubble is absolutely ridiculous. You may as well put the Berlin Wall up at the border."
Queensland earmarks future aquaculture sites
Two new sites in Queensland have been identified as land-based marine aquaculture development areas (ADAs), leaving new space for the industry to grow. “My vision is to make Queensland the aquaculture capital of the world,” said Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities. The two new sites comprise 1,974-hectares for future aquaculture development in the Hinchinbrook Shire.
Upgrades progressed at historical Ringsfield House, Nanango
South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Brett Otto is pleased to advise that funding has seen upgrades progressed at the historical Ringsfield House, Nanango.
High-stakes schedule for 2022 Margaret River Pro
The World Surf League's 2022 schedule has positioned the Margaret River Pro as a mid-season decider, determining the finals fate of the world's top professional surfers. The Margaret River Pro, to be held from April 24 to May 4, is one of only two Australian events on the prestigious 2022 Championship Tour schedule, announced today.
Valiant variety to rev up WA’s grainbelt
A new generation, high performance Australian Hard wheat variety, Valiant CL Plus, has launched today to support grain growers across the State.
Landholders brace for another flood
Rob Locke. Hume Dam is already at 76 per cent capacity and rising, with predictions it will spill. There have been calls for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to release water to reduce the possible impact of flooding. And, this all comes at a time when local irrigators have a meagre 10 per cent allocation, which Southern Riverina Irrigators chair, Chris Brooks, describes as ‘disgraceful’.
Ban on subsea mining in the Territory
Subsea (seabed) mining is banned in the Northern Territory with a Declaration of Prohibited Action gazetted.
Online forum: Activating the low carbon economy in regional Australia
Government and industry representatives, businesses, agribusinesses, community members, advocates and anyone with an interest in this field are invited to attend the Activating the Low Carbon Economy in Regional Australia forum online on Thursday 19 August 2021 to learn more about embracing this developing industry and the opportunities it offers.
Help shape the future of animal welfare laws in NSW
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has released the NSW Animal Welfare Reform – Discussion Paper as the next step in the NSW Government’s commitment to modernise animal welfare legislation.
Completed Albany to Denmark pipeline secures Denmark’s water future
WA Water Minister Dave Kelly has announced the official completion of the Albany to Denmark pipeline, securing Denmark's long-term water supply in the face of climate change.
Affordable housing on the way in Casino
Liina Flynn. Before he headed up North Coast Community Housing, John McKenna spent his childhood growing up in public housing. ... With 3000 families currently on the region’s wait list for social housing, John was proud to announce that a new social and affordable housing development project will be built this year on Callistemon St in Casino.
NSW Government powers on Hillston radar
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall today announced the completion of a state-of-the-art weather radar at Hillston in western NSW, delivering the second of three Doppler radars as a key election commitment for regional NSW.
Queensland crocs make bold comeback in state
Crocodile populations in Queensland continue to recover after the reptiles were almost hunted to extinction before being protected in the 1970s, a new state government survey shows ... “The population recovery has been relatively slow and highly variable across the ranges of species since the unregulated hunting of estuarine crocodiles for their skins was banned,” says Dr Matt Brien.
Farmers can now apply for mouse bait rebates
NSW Farmers is encouraging farmers to apply now for mouse bait rebates of up to $10,000 per farm business through the Rural Assistance Authority website. Applications for the rebate opened today with a total of $95 million available to assist farmers with the costs of Zinc Phosphide baiting programs.
Construction powers ahead on Jabiru Project
Clearing works are now complete as part of construction on Jabiru’s new power station. The project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s $135.5 million dollar commitment to the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu ... Construction works are now underway, with the diesel generators scheduled to come online by the end of 2021 and the solar farm in early 2022.
Endemic Lord Howe Abalone listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN
Due to its incredibly small population size, population density, and distribution, the Lord Howe Abalone faces an extremely high risk of extinction from threats including marine pollution - such as an oil spill event - and climate change. As a result, the IUCN assessed this species to be Critically Endangered. Of the 37 worldwide abalone species, it was one of only two given this status.
Cherbourg and South Burnett working together to look after Country
The Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program (LGIDPP), a collaborative project between North Burnett Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, is a very positive way for Councils to build a relationship and look after Country.
Forestry leader backs call for border commissioner
Eliza Berlage. The head of the local forestry industry group has added his voice to calls for the South Australian government to establish a dedicated cross-border commissioner. Forestry was missed in the initial list of essential work provided by SA Health, with clariï¬cation only received at 11am on the ï¬rst day of lockdown that it was included as primary industry. Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub chair Ian McDonnell said a commissioner could have ensured more preparedness in these situations, rather than the “scramble” that occurred.
Cancer patients and carers “denied basic human rights”
There is no exemption on Service NSW for people to access cancer treatment outside the border bubble. This means people will have to isolate for 14 days when they return to NSW – if Victoria lets them in. Even if they seek treatment in an area of ZERO positive PCR tests.
Climatically adapted cows offered to cattle industry
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s annual cow sale will be taking place next month to sell cattle bred for northern Australia’s conditions and markets. The auction will see 100 Brahman and 50 Tropical Composite on offer next Wednesday, 4 August.
Work begins with local contractors on medicinal cannabis facility near Collie
Site works have begun on a medicinal cannabis facility delivering job opportunities for local trade contractors. Cannaponics Limited is building a new commercial cultivation, extraction, processing and distribution facility to compete in the rapidly growing medicinal cannabis industry.
Agricultural exemption secured for Queensland hard border
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall has today announced a newly-created exemption to allow farmers and agribusiness workers to move freely across the NSW-Queensland border under current COVID restrictions.

